A PRIMARY school in Maldon has won the top prize in a gardening competition for the second time.

All Saints Primary School in Highlands Drive, Maldon won an award at Maldon in Bloom competition.

The Sadd Cup award was for Best School or Youth Organisation Green Project which they won previously in 2017.

The competition’s theme this year was Food for Nature.

The pupils grew an array of vegetables in raised beds to impress the judges.

There were three teaching assistants involved with helping out the pupils: Helen Willis, Kate Woodroof and Mhairi Millard.

Mrs Willis said: “We were delighted to have won, especially since it was only our first year entering last year.

“We have a small allotment area and the kids are encouraged to grow their own fruit and veg.”

Each class, from reception to Year Six, have their own raised bed on which they grow things like carrots, lettuce and potatoes.

The school also runs their own horticultural show near the end of the school year to showcase their green fingers.

“You can imagine the children going out and picking their veg and washing it and making sure it’s presentable.

“The whole point is for kids to be outside and find out where their food is grown.

“If you put buckets of water out for them to water the plants, you’ll have a stampede.”

The school is hoping to add new challenges to the horticultural show such as growing a whole meal from one bed.

The Maldon in Bloom presentation evening was held on Tuesday, June 19 at the Maldon town hall

Mayor Jeanette Stilts presented certificates and prizes to the winners of the various categories.

Mrs Stilts was also joined by guest judge Chris Cork, head gardener at Beeleigh Abbey.

More than 90 residents and schoolchildren attended the event.

Prizes were donated by Beeleigh Abbey and Maldon Town Council.

The event aims to encourage people to be proud of their front garden, school, communal area, business premises or street, and no horticultural expertise is required.